The Accord Party has cautioned Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke against linking individuals facing criminal investigations to the party, insisting that those currently under police investigation are not recognised members of its organisation.
The National Chairman of the Accord Party, Professor Chris Imumolen, made the remarks while reacting to allegations by the Osun State Government and the Imole Campaign Council that more than 60 Accord Party members were being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force.
Imumolen rejected the claims, maintaining that the individuals in police custody are neither stakeholders nor recognised members of the Accord Party.
“Our members are not criminals. How can people whose names have consistently been associated with alleged murder and other heinous crimes be tagged as our members?” he said.
The Accord Party chairman specifically questioned the description of Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Asipa,” as a member of the party.
He alleged that Arowomole, who has been reported as a long-wanted murder suspect, was recently arrested at the residence of the Osun State Secretary to the State Government.
“How could you and some government officials refer to Abiodun Arowomole ‘Asipa’, who was reported to be a long-wanted murder suspect and recently arrested in the house of your Secretary to the State Government, as our party member?” Imumolen asked.
He also referred to reports questioning the circumstances surrounding the release of individuals standing trial for alleged offences.
According to him, persons facing allegations of murder and armed robbery should not be associated with the Accord Party.
“With reports that people of the state are questioning yourself, the Director of Public Prosecution and the Attorney General on the criteria used to free alleged criminals who were still standing trial for alleged murder and armed robbery close to the election period, such people cannot be referred to as members of the Accord Party,” he stated.
Imumolen said the Accord Party was founded on the principles of fairness, justice and progress and would not allow its image to be tarnished by individuals facing criminal allegations.
“Accord Party is built on the pillars of fairness, justice and progress. We will not allow our image to be dragged into the mud, defending armed aides incompatible with Accord Party values,” he said.
The party chairman also criticised Governor Adeleke for allegedly defending aides arrested with illegal firearms, urging the state government to allow security agencies to perform their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
“Police are arresting your aides with guns, and you are defending them. That is completely contrary to what the Accord Party stands for,” he added.
Imumolen further expressed concern over the security situation in Osun State, alleging that individuals released under questionable circumstances were being protected by state actors while falsely identifying themselves as members of the Accord Party.
He described the development as unacceptable and said the party’s national leadership would continue to distance itself from anyone attempting to exploit its platform for unlawful activities.
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The Accord Party chairman, however, commended the Nigerian judiciary for a recent Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s leadership structure, saying the ruling had provided clarity and effectively sidelined individuals seeking to use the party for personal or criminal interests.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law, while urging the Osun State Police Command to investigate and prosecute anyone found guilty of disrupting public peace, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The statement reflects the party’s position on the allegations. The Osun State Government has previously maintained its own position on the issues raised.